With the 53-21-4 Winnipeg Jets sitting atop the NHL standings in what has been a near wire-to-wire performance throughout the 2024-24 season, fans in Manitoba's capital city are gearing up for what is expected to be long and prosperous playoff run.
That postseason will once again be aided by fan support, as on Tuesday it was announced that the Whiteout Street Parties would return to Winnipeg's downtown area this spring.
“The Jets have fired up the whole city, and I know Winnipeggers can’t wait to pack the streets downtown and cheer them on through the playoffs. The Whiteout is all about showing our passion and pride,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Let’s make some noise and show everyone why Winnipeg is the best hockey city in the league.”
With various events including game-day street parties, parties in the plaza, road night whiteout watch parties, the whiteout hype tour and whiteout mania all set to be held in the coming weeks/months, the better the Jets do, the more activities will be available for fans to participate in.
Having already clinched home-ice advantage through the first round, Winnipeg will play host to a lower-ranked team in the opening seven-game playoff series, set to get underway on or following Saturday, April 19.
With four games left to play, the Jets have already set a franchise record for most wins in a single season, and currently sit at 110 points - four points back of the 114 they recorded in 2017-18. They need five points in the next four games to beat that mark.
This year, 5,000 ticketed fans will have access to the whiteout street parties through a $10 purchase. Once again, half of the proceeds will go towards the United Way. Gates will open two hours prior to puck drop for each home game, with the addition of the MET being included in the street party area.
“The Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties have become part of our city’s Whiteout traditions,” said Kevin Donnelly, True North’s Sr. Vice President, Venues & Entertainment. “Our fans created the Whiteout, evolved it to the phenomenon it is today and continue to be the essence of the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff celebrations. The Whiteout Street Parties are more than just a celebration of our team, they are a celebration of our fans and their desire to share their excitement and passion for our team in a community setting.”
Food options, jumbo television screens, music, prizes and other entertainment will be offered on a nightly basis. Fans attending the home playoff games will also have access to the street parties.
The provincial government will fund up to $300K for the street parties ($75K per playoff round).
The party in the plaza will also return for the 2025 postseason, featuring the Hargrave Street Market and True North Square serving as an indoor/outdoor viewing area with live entertainment and higher class food and beverage options. Tickets will be available for $20 per game for this package.
Canada Life Centre will also host whiteout watch parties for fans to come attend the downtown rink, wear white and cheer on the Jets for each of the road games of the playoffs. Beverages, food, music and entreatment will once again be offered in-arena, much like that of a home game.
The whiteout hype tour will feature mobile pop-up events around Manitoba in advance of the playoffs, where fans can spend time with the team mascots, purchase Jets paraphernalia and earn whiteout prize packs. The first stop of the hype tour will be the Clear Spring Mall in Steinbach on April 9 at 11:00 AM.